Re. the C word and the BBC I have mixed feelings about that headline ‘depresson cuts cancer survival’. It suggests a conclusion while later on the article says ‘more research is needed’. American oncologists Bernie Siegel or Carl Simonton have published books about their work with cancer patients, using techniques such as positive thinking. As a result, some of their patients had a better survival rate BUT it is important not to burden people with the idea that they must think positively all the time, and never feel low. That’s not realistic. More about this and ‘Does stress cause cancer?’ on

Re. depression in care homes I worked as an aromatherapist in a care home for 2 years. The happiest ‘residents’ were those who had children and/or frends who visited every day, and sometimes took them out. Some others without children or friends sometimes appeared to live happily in their imagination and/or watching TV. This experience made me think about my older age…

A great antidote to depression is to take psychologist Dorothy Rowe’s advice and “Live life fully”. I highly recommend her books!